In this wooded area the Battle of Black Jack occurred on June 2, 1856, when abolitionist John Brown led a group of free-state men into battle against proslavery militia leader Henry Clay Pate. This clash was the first recorded battle between two organized military forces in what evolved into the Civil War. Signage and markers along a nature trail relate the story. Adjoining the battlefield site, now a National Historic Landmark, is the restored homestead of Robert Hall Pearson. Although Pearson fought alongside John Brown this house wasn't built until 1890. (NRHP) 8 Wonders of Kansas History finalist